The South Australian judiciary announced a slew of new appointments on Thursday, filling a number of vacancies in the courts.
District Court Judge Julie McIntyre has been elevated to the State’s Supreme Court on the back of Justice Kevin Nicholson’s retirement.
As a result, Magistrate Nick Alexandrides will be appointed to the District Court to fill the vacancy, alongside Michelle Sutcliffe owing to the upcoming retirement of Judge Paul Cuthbertson.
South Australia’s Attorney-General, Kyam Maher, has made a statement detailing the new appointments.
“Judge McIntyre, Magistrate Alexandrides and Magistrate Sutcliffe have all served with distinction in their time with the District and Magistrates Courts respectively, I’m sure their fine work will continue in their new roles.”
Additionally, Kristopher Handshin KC was appointed to the District Court to fill a vacancy created with the promotion of Justice Kimber last year from the District to the Supreme Court.
Joanna Martin and Michael Barnett were appointed to the Magistrates Court and in an historic first for SA, Lana Chester and Natalie Browne have become the first Indigenous magistrates in history after their appointment to the judiciary.
AG Maher described the appointments as an exciting moment in the state’s history.
“Both are exceptionally qualified, experienced appointees with a wealth of knowledge and experience that I’m sure will serve them well during their time in the Magistrates Court.”
Judge McIntyre begins in their new capacity next week, while Judges Alexandrides, Sutcliffe, Handshin and Magistrates Martin and Barnett will begin their new roles through February.
“It is great to see the elevation of some exceptional judicial officers while simultaneously welcoming some new minds to the judiciary,” Maher concluded.